Pivotal Counselling

Counselling and Psychotherapy enables people to explore difficulties that may be preventing them from moving forwards in their lives, whether the concern is in the present or something that relates to the past.

You may seek counselling if you are feeling troubled or when life feels difficult. This may be due to problems in a relationship, the loss of a loved one, anxiety or stress, or feeling a sense of unhappiness. Sometimes, talking to friends or family can help, but other times, you may not want to, or it may feel difficult to share your innermost feelings with those around you through fear of feeling judged. At such times, seeking the help of a fully qualified and experienced counsellor can be beneficial – someone who is independent from your life, and who may help you see things from a different perspective. Talking to a trained counsellor is a way of helping you to explore these difficulties, to understand your life and make changes to help you move forward.

Why talk to a Counsellor?

Everyone has times in their lives when they struggle and find things difficult to cope with alone; sometimes it can be hard to admit this to others, we may even have difficulty admitting it to ourselves. You may be feeling worried, anxious, low, confused, lonely and isolated or you may be experiencing difficulties in relationships.

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These feelings and thoughts may persist and become overwhelming and in these circumstances it can be difficult to know which way to turn. At times like these it can be helpful to talk things over in confidence with an experienced Psychotherapist/ Counsellor, who will enable you to explore your concerns in a safe confidential environment.

Acknowledging that you need help or support does not mean that you are weak, or self-indulgent, it means that you are ready to make changes and begin to take control of your life.

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Counselling involves talking with a person like myself, who is trained to help you explore your difficulties or distress in a safe way. Counselling may help you by offering a place to take some time-out to explore your thoughts and feelings. It is a space for you to be heard where you feel able to be honest without feeling judged or criticised.

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My role is not to tell you what you should or should not do, but rather work together with you to enable you to gain insight, and a greater understanding of what drives your patterns of behaviour, how you relate to others and your negative emotions. In other words, help you to understand why you feel the way you do, consider options and explore ways of making positive changes in your life to help you feel more in control.  

 

Why are there different approaches?

Different therapeutic orientations offer different ways of working. The advantage of being an Integrative therapist is that I am not tied to only one way of working. I can select the best orientation for whatever my clients bring, week to week. Whichever theory is used, it is always important for the client to consider what changes they would like to make in the future.

What to expect from Counselling?
A counsellor will help you to look at your life and issues and enable you to discover the right path rather than offering advice or solutions. The answers are within yourself.

 

At the core of therapy is a confidential and collaborative relationship where the therapist guides the person on a journey of increased self-awareness and understanding. 

Counselling can help you move from a position of self doubt or insecurity to one where you feel more in control; to give you back choice in your life and hopefully the confidence to use that choice. It can help you acknowledge your strengths and determine ways of coping effectively throughout your life. 

Counselling is also helpful when you feel ‘stuck’ or unable to move forward with your life. You may have symptoms of depression or be suffering from feelings of loss and isolation and be unable to have any sense of direction.

THE BENEFITS:-

• Greater self awareness and understanding. This can enhance your relationship with yourself and others and improve your sense of choice and self esteem. This in turn can cultivate the feeling that life can be enjoyed rather than endured.

• The experience of exploring your thoughts and feelings with another individual can relieve your sense that you are entirely alone with your problems.

• Understand the repeat patterns formed throughout your life

• Build self esteem and confidence

• Explore helpful ways to resolving conflict within yourself

• Accept the choices you make and learn to value yourself

• Manage anger and conflict in an appropriate way

• Feel happier and less stressed

 

Further information can be found on the BACP and UKCP websites